Putin in Baku: Offers to Mediate Peace Talks Between Armenia and Azerbaijan

In a display of diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on a working visit. The visit, which lasted two days, was filled with gestures and critical discussions, reflecting the complex geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus.

One of the first acts of President Putin upon his arrival in Baku was to pay tribute to Azerbaijan's former president, Heydar Aliyev, who is also the father of the current president, Ilham Aliyev. Putin laid a wreath at the grave of Heydar Aliyev, a figure widely revered in Azerbaijan for his leadership and the pivotal role he played in shaping the country's post-Soviet identity. This act of respect not only acknowledged the historical ties between Russia and Azerbaijan but also shows the personal rapport between the Russian leader and the Aliyev family.

Following this, President Putin visited the "Eternal Flame" monument, a symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan. These gestures set the tone for the discussions that were to follow.

The core of Putin's visit, however, was the discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, which centered on the ongoing issues in the South Caucasus, particularly the long-standing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The region, which has been a flashpoint for tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia, remains a critical concern for regional stability.

Putin emphasized Russia's readiness to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "We are prepared to do everything in our power to assist in the signing of a peace treaty and in the process of border delimitation and demarcation," Putin stated during the talks. He reiterated Russia's historical involvement in the South Caucasus and its commitment to being an active participant in resolving conflicts in the region.

The Russian leader's willingness to mediate reflects Moscow's broader strategy of maintaining influence in the South Caucasus, even as it grapples with its own challenges, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By positioning itself as a mediator, Russia seeks to reinforce its role as a key power broker in the region, ensuring that its interests are safeguarded in any future agreements.

During the discussions, President Aliyev expressed Azerbaijan's desire to resolve the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region that Azerbaijan has been pursuing to occupy. "Azerbaijan is committed to completing all procedures necessary for a full settlement," Aliyev assured Putin. This statement was met with Putin's acknowledgment of Azerbaijan's efforts, further solidifying the cooperative dynamic between the two nations.

The talks also touched on the importance of the tripartite agreement reached on November 9/10, 2020, which was brokered by Russia and ended the six-week war waged by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh).

Putin's visit to Azerbaijan also had implications for Russia's relationship with Armenia. The Russian president indicated that he planned to brief Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the outcomes of his talks in Baku. This move reflects Russia's delicate balancing act in the region, where it seeks to maintain good relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, despite the growing tension between Moscow and Yerevan.

In recent years, Armenia has shown a tendency to align more closely with Western powers, which has strained its ties with Russia. This shift has led to a cooling of relations, with Armenia often opting to engage in peace talks without Russian mediation. Nevertheless, Russia remains a significant player in the region, and its involvement in the peace process is seen as crucial by many, particularly given its historical role in the South Caucasus.

President Vladimir Putin's visit to Azerbaijan shows the deep ties between Moscow and Baku. It seems as though, through diplomacy and strategic engagement, Russia aims to maintain its influence and support the resolution of one of the most enduring conflicts in the post-Soviet space.